For licensed professional counselors (LPCs), navigating multistate licensure has traditionally been complex, expensive, and time-consuming. But that is quickly changing with the rise of the Counseling Compact — a groundbreaking agreement that allows eligible counselors to practice across state lines with fewer barriers.
This guide explains the Counseling Compact, which states are part of it, how it benefits mental health professionals, and what to expect moving forward.
What Is the Counseling Compact?
The Counseling Compact is a legal agreement between participating U.S. states that allows licensed professional counselors (LPCs) to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
This initiative was created to:
- Improve access to mental health care across state lines
- Support continuity of care for clients who relocate or travel
- Reduce administrative burdens for counselors
- Enhance mobility and employment opportunities for licensed professionals
The compact is modeled after similar agreements in fields like nursing (NLC) and psychology (PSYPACT).
How the Counseling Compact Works
Key Features:
- Single Home-State License: Counselors maintain a license in their primary state of residence.
- Privilege to Practice: They can apply for a “privilege to practice” in any other participating compact state.
- Uniform Eligibility: Counselors must meet educational, ethical, and legal standards outlined by the compact.
- Telehealth Expansion: The compact supports telehealth services across state lines, helping counselors serve more clients remotely.
The compact became operational in 2023, and implementation is ongoing as more states pass enabling legislation.
Current Counseling Compact States (as of 2024)
Below is a list of U.S. states that have enacted Counseling Compact legislation and are either active or in the process of implementation:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Note: Compact status and implementation vary. Some states have passed the law but are not yet issuing practice privileges.
You can find the latest map and implementation timeline at the official Counseling Compact website.
Eligibility Requirements for Counselors
To practice under the compact, counselors must:
- Hold an active, unencumbered license in a compact member state
- Have a graduate degree in counseling from an accredited program
- Pass a national counseling examination (such as the NCE or NCMHCE)
- Have no active disciplinary actions
- Submit a compact privilege application and pay applicable fees
Benefits of the Counseling Compact
For Counselors:
- Practice across multiple states with less bureaucracy
- Expand telehealth reach across compact borders
- Increase employment flexibility, especially for military spouses or mobile professionals
- Reduce license maintenance costs and redundant CEU requirements
For Clients:
- Maintain continuity of care when moving between states
- Greater access to qualified mental health professionals
- Faster response to mental health workforce shortages
Challenges and Considerations
- Not all states are members – Counselors must still check each state’s participation status.
- Compact does not replace licensure – You must hold an active license in your home state.
- CEU and renewal differences may still exist between states, even under compact privilege.
The Future of Counseling Compact
With growing mental health needs and expanding telehealth services, the Counseling Compact is expected to accelerate adoption across more states in the coming years. Legislative efforts are underway in several remaining non-member states, and national counselor organizations strongly support the compact’s expansion.
For licensed counselors, this represents a significant shift toward greater mobility, efficiency, and access in delivering behavioral health services across the U.S.
Whether you’re a seasoned counselor looking to broaden your practice or a new graduate entering the field, the Counseling Compact simplifies multistate practice and reflects the future of accessible, flexible mental health care.
Stay informed, verify your state’s participation, and be ready to take advantage of the professional opportunities this compact provides.